In the realm of NFL preseason “action,” there is a saying that perhaps a picture can only convey so much in comparison to a hundred words. However, the vivid imagery that emerged from the Steel City on Saturday night painted a crystal clear picture: Justin Fields is the quarterback that should be leading the charge for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We must acknowledge the inherent truths about football in the month of August. Playbooks are not being fully revealed on either offense or defense. Starters are receiving minimal reps, at best. In many cases, NFL-caliber players are sharing the field with those who may soon find themselves seeking employment elsewhere as roster cuts loom on the horizon.
But if you simply trust your eyes, the difference in dynamic play between Fields and the fading veteran Russell Wilson was stark. Wilson, who led the Steelers in their first five possessions, struggled to move the ball effectively. The team had three three-and-outs, punted four times, gained a mere 49 yards in total, and failed to put up any points on the board. In contrast, Fields, who took over for the final five drives, threw for 92 yards, ran for 42, and managed to lead the offense to three points.
“I thought he got better in some areas,” remarked Steelers coach Mike Tomlin about Fields. “I thought he did a nice job utilizing his legs, whether it was impromptu or otherwise, to keep some situations alive.”
Looking beyond the statistics, it is crucial to note that both Wilson and Fields are adjusting to a new playbook and teammates. Despite Wilson’s experience, he seemed hesitant and failed to display the play-extending abilities that had defined his successful career in the past. Fields, on the other hand, showcased his mobility and playmaking skills throughout the game, creating opportunities for his teammates and moving the chains effectively.
“He has that dual-threat capability that can really take this offense to another level as he continues to get more comfortable with it,” observed ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, advocating for Fields to be named the starter.
Reflecting on the game, Fields remarked, “We got into the red zone a couple of times. But I think next week we’re just going to have to turn those drives into points.”
In conclusion, while preseason games may have their limitations, the performance of Justin Fields in the game against the Buffalo Bills has undoubtedly made a compelling case for him to take on the starting quarterback role for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds as the regular season draws closer.